Community Contra Dance Returns to Williamstown This Saturday

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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — North Berkshire Community Dance will host its monthly contra dance this Saturday, Jan. 10, at the First Congregational Church. 
 
The event, held in the Community Hall at 906 Main Street, offers an evening of traditional New England folk dancing open to families, couples, and individuals.
 
The evening begins with an introductory lesson at 7:15 PM, followed by the main dance from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Liz Nelson will serve as the caller, utilizing "Larks and Robins" role terms.
 
Music for the event will be provided by Spare Parts, a Berkshire-based trio featuring:
  • Bill Matthiesen on piano
  • Liz Stell on flute
  • Eric Buddington on fiddle
Organizers emphasize that contra dancing is a social activity where participants are encouraged to change partners throughout the night; no partner is required to attend.
 
Admission follows a sliding scale of $12 to $20, though the organization maintains a policy that no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Regarding public health, masks are welcome but not required, and the venue will keep windows open for ventilation. Attendees are asked to stay home if they feel unwell.
 
 
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Williamstown Con Comm Recommends Conservation Restriction

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Conservation Commission on Thursday endorsed a proposed conservation restriction on a 7-acre lot on Luce Road.
 
Owners Bruce and Judy Grinnell of North Adams were before the commission to seek its blessing for a CR to be managed by Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation.
 
The foundation's Dan Gura explained the reasons for the conservation restriction to the commissioners.
 
"This piece of land is largely agricultural," explained Gura, who serves as land protection coordinator at WRLF. "In terms of why we're protecting it, we identified some conservation values: open space protection, high quality soils, habitat connectivity, farmland currently in use and scenic views."
 
The lot in question has been farmed by the Chenail family since 1916, Gura told the commissioners.
 
It also abuts other currently conserved parcels and the Mount Greylock State Reservation managed by the commonwealth's Department of Conservation and Recreation.
 
"The hedge rows along [the Grinnell property] provide corridors that wildlife can use as they migrate through the area," Gura said.
 
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